Career Sectors for Political Science

Business &
Finance
Undergraduate
political science training offers a good preparation for careers or graduate
programs in business. Undergraduate courses in political economy and
development can be useful preparation for working in business development,
financial consulting, or public finance. Students who have focused on area
studies and international relations may find opportunities in international
business or trade.

If you are
interested in attending business school,
review
the appropriate guides and catalogues
to
identify graduate business programs. Contact the
Association to Advance Collegiate
Schools of Business
for more information. If you have a business school at your own
institution,
speak
with the admissions director
about the program of study.

Public
Administration & International Affairs
Undergraduate studies in any area of political science can be useful for a
career in public administration. Knowledge of the political process, strong
writing skills, and familiarity with research methods are all useful
preparation for these careers. While many careers in public service require
only a bachelor's degree, graduate programs in public administration, public
policy, and international affairs provide specialized training for positions
in a variety of government and public service careers.

Non-governmental Organizations
& Non-profits
If you are thinking about a career in public service, consider non-profits,
foundations, or non-governmental organizations. These organizations operate at
the local, national, and international policy level, working on virtually all
issue areas all over the globe. The missions of these organizations range from
local neighborhood housing to state environmental policy to global human
rights. Non-profits, foundations, and non-governmental organizations offer
opportunities for political science graduates at all degree
levels.

Journalism
& Media
If you are interested in a career in journalism or media, political science
training can give you the substantive and analytical background you need.
Typically political science courses place heavy emphasis on developing fluid
and clear writing and speaking skills, which are beneficial for positions in
print or broadcast journalism, publishing, social media, communications, and
public relations.

Academic
Research and Teaching
With a PhD in political science, you will have gained key methodological
skills that will prepare you for a career as a college or university professor
conducting cutting-edge research in a variety of political science subfields,
including American politics, comparative politics, political theory, and
international relations.

Political science research appears in a variety of journals,
textbooks, and academic books. Research conducted by political scientists
throughout the discipline—including race and ethnic studies, bioethics,
electoral reform, environmental policy, political economy, gender studies,
conflict resolution, and disability studies—contributes to wider public
discussions and policy development. Political scientists often present their
research findings at academic conferences like the American Political Science
Association Annual Meeting and a variety of other
meetings
in the profession
.

Political science PhDs who work at colleges and universities often
split their time between research, teaching, and service-orientated duties
such as committee or advising responsibilities. For an up-to-date listing of
academic positions available in the political science discipline, visit the
APSA
eJobs portal.

Some political science PhDs use their skills in careers outside of
academia. They work in government, research organizations, non-profits,
university administration, business, and technology companies. The research
and analytical skills of political science PhDs are valuable in a variety of
fields.